The University of Tulsa Safe Zone program offers education, information and resources on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual and allies). It is a half-day workshop that provides free resources and education to all members of the TU community who choose to seek it out and offer opportunities to learn how to better support and serve TU’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. It also strives to create and provide visible support, safe places and resources for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals at TU. Attendance is capped at 10 people per workshop.
Purpose statement
The Safe Zone program strives to create a visible support and resources for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and pansexual individuals at The University of Tulsa by providing resources and education to all TU community members who choose to seek it out and offer opportunities to learn how to better support and serve the TU 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
Getting educated
The four-hour Safe Zone workshop is an interactive and discussion-based program. At the end of the program, you will be able to decide whether you would like to join the TU Safe Zone community as an ally.
Attendance is open to all TU students, faculty and staff who are interested in learning more. Please note that the program is structured to provide education and resources to those who do not identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+ (including how to be an ally); therefore, while we have had a significant number of 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals participate in the Safe Zone program, some language and discussion (especially around what it means to be an ally) may seem geared toward heterosexual and cisgender individuals. This is not intended to be exclusionary; rather, it is meant to provide the best training for all attendees.
Membership
Membership in the Safe Zone program is open to all TU students, faculty and staff who are willing to provide a safe and supportive environment for 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. This program is strictly voluntary and should never be used as a required sanction or training for any individual.
It is important that all TU allies have voluntarily participated in and completed training. While successful completion of the training is necessary to become a TU ally, individuals may attend the course solely to learn more about 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues and ally characteristics. It is not required that you hang the Safe Zone placard after completion of the course.
You will receive helpful resources including the extensive informational binder, handouts for visitors and access to a Safe Zone Listserv for continued questions and support.
If interested in participating, please call 918-631-2966 or email multicultural@utulsa.edu.